Buy to Let • Bad Credit
A County Court Judgment (CCJ) can make borrowing tougher — but it doesn’t automatically block you from becoming a landlord. Many specialist lenders still consider Buy to Let applications with CCJs if the rest of your case stacks up.
Shortcut: See our full guide → Buy to Let Mortgages with Bad Credit.
What Is a CCJ?
- A County Court Judgment is issued when a creditor takes court action for unpaid debt.
- CCJs stay on your credit file for six years, whether paid or unpaid.
- “Satisfied” (paid) CCJs are viewed more favourably — but some lenders consider unsatisfied CCJs too.
Can You Get a Buy to Let Mortgage with CCJs?
- High street banks: Almost always decline where a CCJ is present.
- Specialist lenders: More flexible and will look at:
- When the CCJ was registered
- Its size and whether it’s satisfied
- Your deposit (LTV)
- Your rental income cover
How Recency Matters
| When CCJ Was Registered | How Lenders Typically Respond |
|---|---|
| Within the last 6–12 months | Difficult, but a few specialists may consider if small with a strong deposit. |
| 1–3 years ago | Wider choice, still specialist only. |
| 3+ years ago | Much easier — more lenders available. |
| 6 years+ | CCJ drops off your file completely. |
Case Studies
Case A — Small Recent CCJ
James had a £400 CCJ registered 10 months ago. With a 30% deposit and strong rental cover, a specialist lender accepted despite the recency.
Case B — Larger Older CCJ
Sharon had a £5,000 CCJ from 2019, satisfied in 2021. With a 35% deposit and stable rental projections, she secured a Buy to Let mortgage through a niche building society.
Deposit & Rental Stress
- Deposit: Standard BTL often needs 25% — with CCJs, expect 30–40%.
- Rental stress test: Lenders require rent to comfortably cover the mortgage — even more important with bad credit.
Related reading: How much deposit do I need for BTL with bad credit?
Practical Steps if You Have CCJs
- Check your credit report — confirm CCJ dates, amounts, and status.
- Settle where possible — satisfied CCJs can improve your case.
- Prepare a larger deposit — bigger deposits increase approval odds.
- Evidence rental income — agents’ letters/tenancy agreements for stress testing.
- Use a broker — many willing lenders are broker-only.
Check all three credit files in one place
Use our partner link to view your data across agencies. This won’t harm your score.
FAQs — Buy to Let with CCJs
Can I get a buy to let mortgage with a recent CCJ?
Yes, but usually with specialist lenders — and you’ll likely need a bigger deposit.
Do CCJs have to be satisfied?
Not always. Some lenders still consider unsatisfied CCJs, though settling them helps.
How long do CCJs stay on file?
Six years. After that, they no longer appear.
Will high street banks accept me with a CCJ?
No — you’ll need a specialist lender.
Does rental income make a difference?
Yes. Strong rental coverage can offset risk from CCJs.
